2002 Newbery Medal and Honor Books

Medal winner

The 2002 Newbery Medal winner is A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park (Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin).

Linda Sue Park takes readers to 12th century Korea to tell a timeless story of dedication to one's dreams and art. Tree-ear, an orphan who lives under a bridge with his wise friend Crane-man, becomes fascinated with a nearby community of potters. Drawn by their exquisite craftsmanship, the adolescent boy begins to assist the master potter Min.

"Tree-ear's determination and bravery in pursuing his dream of becoming a potter takes readers on a literary journey that demonstrates how courage, honor and perseverance can overcome great odds and bring great happiness. Park effectively conveys 12th century Korea in this masterful piece of historical fiction," said Kathleen Odean, chair of the Newbery Award Selection Committee.

Honor Books

Everything on a Waffle
by Polly Horvath (Farrar Straus Giroux)

When 11-year-old Primrose Squarp's parents disappear at sea, her faith in their return defies all adult logic. Set in British Columbia, Everything On A Waffle combines quirky characters, recipes, and amazing twists of plot in a striking combination of the barely credible and profoundly true.

In Carver: A Life In Poems, Marilyn Nelson challenges readers with a truly new biography of George Washington Carver. Told from multiple perspectives, this breathtaking collection of 59 poems reveals little known facets of the remarkable scientist who is too often dismissed as "the peanut man."

"With simple sophistication and beauty, Nelson transcends Carver's brilliance and scientific achievements to present the essence of this profoundly humble man," says Odean. "Carver's fascination with learning and teaching, his deep faith, and his belief in the possibilities of humanity were the forces that shaped him. Readers will be left with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude, both that the man existed and that Nelson had the perspicacity to bring him so exquisitely back to life."